Human Computer Data Interaction

Stats, Algorithms, and Applications

Susan Vanderplas

January 1, 2026

Outline

  1. Introduction
  2. CSI: Statistics and the Fundamentals of Science
  3. Perception & Statistical Graphics
  4. Machine Learning for Forensics

Introduction

2009 BS, Psychology & Applied Math Texas state outline with ATM logo from Texas A&M university.
2011 MS, Statistics A red I overlaid with STATE, the Iowa State university logo.
2015 Ph.D., Statistics
Dissertation: Perception of Statistical Graphics

Introduction

2015-18 Stat. Analyst, NE Public Power Nebraska Public Power District logo.
2018-19 Research Asst. Professor, CSAFE Center for Statistics and Applications in Forensic Evidence Logo.
2020-24 Asst. Professor, UNL
2024-26 Assoc. Professor, UNL

Recent Work

  • Can You See The Change? Visual Perception in Change Point Analysis (JCGS)
    Fudolig, Robinson, and Vanderplas. 2025

  • Automated Residual Plot Assessment With the R Package autovi and the Shiny Application autovi.web (Aus & NZ Journal of Stats)
    Li, Cook, Tanaka, Vanderplas, and Ackermann. 2025

  • Perception and Cognitive Implications of Logarithmic Scales for Exponentially Increasing Data: Perceptual Sensitivity Tested with Statistical Lineups (JCGS)
    Robinson, Howard, Vanderplas. 2025

  • A Guide to Designing Experiments to Test Statistical Graphics (WIRE Computational Statistics)
    Robinson, Hofmann, Vanderplas. 2025

Recent Work

  • Methodological problems in every black-box study of forensic firearm comparisons (Law, Probability, and Risk)
    Cuellar, Vanderplas, Luby, Rosenblum. 2024

  • Incorrect statistical reasoning in Guyll et al. leads to biased claims about strength of forensic evidence (PNAS)
    Rosenblum, Chin, Ogburn, Nishimura, Westreich, Datta, Vanderplas, Cuellar, Thompson. 2024

  • Hidden Multiple Comparisons Increase Forensic Error Rates (PNAS)
    Vanderplas, Carriquiry, Hofmann. 2024

Funded Grants

  • 2025, NSF CAREER, What Do You See? Perception, Decisions, and Statistical Graphics ($550,000)

  • 2020-2024, NIST, CSAFE Project lead: Footwear Class Characteristics and Human Factors ($20 mil for CSAFE, $456,930 sub-award)

  • 2019/2021, NIJ, Automatic Acquisition and Identification of Footwear Class Characteristics ($380,650)

  • 2020, USDA-NRCS, Improving the Economic and Ecological Sustainability of US Crop Production through On-Farm Precision Experimentation ($4 mil total, $400,000 for 3 UNL PIs)

  • 2019, NSF, Overcoming the Rural Data Deficit to Improve Quality of Life and Community Services in Smart & Connected Small Communities ($1.5 mil total, $123,445 sub-award)

CSI: Statistics (and the fundamentals of Science)

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